File puptcrit/puptcrit.0903, message 422


Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:36:07 -0400
From: Hobey Ford <hobeyone-AT-gmail.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Copyright question


I built some puppets for Willey and the Hairyman.   There is at least
one play version like this one
http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1709
The problem is that permissions for plays are often very expensive,
where as If you write your own then it is a matter of getting
permission from the author through their agent.  This cost could  be a
one time $1000. fee.  The play route means an ongoing fee.  Also with
published plays, you are not allowed to alter the play in ANY way.  So
I'd advise staying away from "plays".   I prefer going to the book and
following the copyright backwards tracing each and every version for
changes,. At a certain point you almost always arrive at a version
that is copyright free.  You just need to not include any detail from
the later copywritten versions.  Authors sytematically add details
just for the purpose of identifying their version and protecting that
version. (The ruby slippers for instance began as silver ones and
"wicked couldn't use that detail without getting into copyright hell)
 I used to hire a local playwright to find stories and research them
back to precopyright versions, and then he'd write me a play as work
for hire and I would then edit and redo it for my own use.  I did this
with many productions.  It averaged $500.  You can do the first part
on your own at the library.  Folktales are especially good because
they almost always have very old precopyright sources.
This story is an excellent one for puppet use.  I use it in shadow workshops.

By the way my favorite version is the book by Molly Bang
http://www.mollybang.com/wiley.html

Source for play permissions
http://www.samuelfrench.com/store/index.php
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